• Home Page
  • About Us
  • Services
    • Water Management
    • New Technology
    • Peaceful Gardens
    • Landscape Accents
  • Photo Album
  • Client Testimonies
  • Contact Us
  • Ed's Blogs
  • Links
MIDWEST LANDSCAPING

Ed's BLOG 

Decomposed Granite Pros & Cons

6/7/2014

55 Comments

 
I have noticed in my landscape design/build business lately, a lot of request for decomposed granite use by homeowners.
Taking out old cracked patio's, sidewalks, dead or otherwise useless lawn areas around clients properties, has stimulated the interest of many clients who are looking for solutions to their challenges. Decomposed granite is a very good product to use under many landscaping situations not only as a semi-solid to hard pan walking surface, but also as a clean fresh ground cover alternative to various chipped tree mulches and synthetic rubber mulches that have hit the sustainable landscaping  scene. There are a few things one show be aware of though when choosing to use decomposed granite in their own particular application.
* Decomposed granite ( AKA "DG" ) is granite rock that has weathered to the point that it readily fractures into smaller pieces or chunks of weak rock. Granite is composed of various other minerals such as feldspar,quartz, and mica just to name a few. The chemical transformation of feldspar into a clay material call Kaolin is one of the important weathering processes. The presence of the clay allows water to seep in and further weaken the parent rock allowing it to fracture or crumble into smaller pieces. Decomposed granite can come as a crushed stone or a fine and used as a pavement material. 
Many times, I have hadto educate my clients about DG to the facts that unless stabilized with some sort of polymeric stabilizer such as TechniSoil G3, PolyPavement, and other brands available, the fantastic idea of replacing that ugly dying back yard with a decomposed granite patio replacement may just end up becoming one big DG bog at the first rain. Proper prep of the job site, use of landscaping fabric, landscaping edging, proper grading and DG compaction are all very important proceedures that should be addressed when choosing a contractor or deciding to do the job DG installation yourself.
There are various colors of DG available now and grades  to choose from crushed to a grade know as "fines". Having choice is a good thing but, understanding DG's limitations based on what the end use is expected to be is "MOST IMPORTANT" when choosing to go with decomposed granite use at your home or business.
* Information on decomposed granite derived from Wikipedia.
** Excellent DG suppliers in Southern Ca:  Cal Blend Soils  www.calblendsoils.com  (877) 675-3405
                                                                                    Southwest Boulder & Stone  www.southwestboulder.com (877)-SWB-ROCK
Picture
Picture
55 Comments
    Picture

    Author

    Edward L. Wallace has been the principle owner of Midwest Landscaping for over 25 years. With experience in various aspects of landscape consultation,design,and installation OF " SUSTAINABLE LIVING ENVIRONMENTS" you can rest assured your landscaping experience will be one of "Dreams Fulfilled"

    Archives

    May 2022
    January 2021
    May 2020
    April 2020
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    October 2017
    July 2017
    April 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    November 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    July 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012


    l

    All
    Bedding Plants
    Calif.Friendly Landscapes
    Calif.Friendly Landscapes
    Conservation Trends
    Conservation Trends
    Eroison Control
    Fertilizer Facts
    Firescaping
    Hardscaping Trends
    Health Related
    Latest & Greatest Products
    Native Plants
    Native Plants
    Our Changing Environment
    Outdoor Living Accessories
    Patio Covers
    Pest Control
    Plant Maintenance Tips
    Rebate/Incentive Programs
    Soils 101
    Sustainability Trends
    Tree Care
    Turf Facts
    Water Features
    Water Management

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home Page
  • About Us
  • Services
    • Water Management
    • New Technology
    • Peaceful Gardens
    • Landscape Accents
  • Photo Album
  • Client Testimonies
  • Contact Us
  • Ed's Blogs
  • Links